Head of Treasury — Crypto Exchange (UAE)

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE (on-site)Timezone: GMT+3Employment Type: Full-timeLevel: Senior ManagementAbout the OpportunityWe are a recruitment agency partnering with a fintech company that is launching a regulated cryptocurrency exchange in the United Arab Emirates.Our client is currently in the final stages of obtaining a Capital Markets Authority (CMA) license and is building out its core leadership team as part of the regulatory approval process.The business is backed by founders with a proven track record of building and scaling a profitable crypto exchange operating in the CIS region. The new platform will leverage an already tested technology stack and operational model, with a clear 5-year growth strategy and an ambition to reach IPO.We are now looking for a Head of Treasury — a key senior management function holder who will be responsible for liquidity, client asset safeguarding, and treasury operations, with direct accountability to the regulator.Role OverviewThis is a critical regulatory and operational leadership role, responsible for ensuring:Full protection and segregation of client assetsStrong liquidity management across fiat and digital assetsCompliance with CMA requirements and regulatory standardsYou will act as a designated senior manager accountable to the regulator and play a key role in building the treasury function from the ground up.What You Will Be DoingTreasury Strategy & LiquidityDefine and execute treasury strategy aligned with regulatory and business requirementsManage liquidity across fiat and digital assetsDesign liquidity buffers for normal operations and stress scenariosImplement stress testing and contingency funding plansClient Asset Safeguarding & CustodyDesign and implement client asset segregation frameworks (client vs company funds)Oversee custody setup, wallet structures, and banking arrangementsEnsure accurate reconciliation between:on-chain vs off-chain balancesinternal ledgers vs external custodians/banksTreasury OperationsOversee daily treasury activities:cash managementcrypto asset transferssettlementsImplement dual control, approval workflows, and access controlsManage relationships with banks, custodians, PSPs, and liquidity providersGovernance, Policies & ReportingEstablish and maintain treasury-related policies:Treasury PolicyClient Asset Safeguarding PolicyLiquidity Risk Management PolicyEnsure policies are CMA-compliant and board-approvedProvide regular reporting to senior management and the Board on liquidity position, asset balances, and treasury risksRisk ManagementIdentify and manage treasury-related risks:liquiditycounterpartycustody and operational risksDefine risk appetite and exposure limitsMonitor counterparties and financial partnersRegulatory & ComplianceAct as a key point of contact with the CMASupport regulatory inspections, audits, and reportingEnsure compliance with client asset protection and operational control requirementsMust-Have Requirements10+ years of experience in treasury, finance, or asset management5+ years in a leadership role (Head / Director level)Experience in a regulated financial environment:bankingfintech / payment providersbrokerage (FX / CFD)crypto exchangeStrong experience with:liquidity managementclient asset safeguarding / client moneytreasury operations and settlementsExperience working under financial services regulation (CMA, FCA, MAS, DFSA, or equivalent)Hands-on approach with strong ownership and accountabilityNice to HaveExperience in crypto exchanges or digital asset platformsFamiliarity with custody solutions (wallets, MPC, custodians)Experience interacting directly with regulatorsArabic language skillsNot a FitThis role is not suitable for candidates with:purely corporate treasury background (e.g. internal cash management, FX hedging)accounting-focused roles without exposure to client fundsno experience in regulated financial environmentsLocation & RelocationThis is an on-site role in Abu Dhabi due to regulatory requirementsCandidates should either:already be based in the UAEor be open to relocationOur client provides:relocation supportvisa sponsorshipassistance with housingCompensation: Competitive, discussed individually. Relocation candidates will receive additional support, including relocation assistance, visa sponsorship, and housing assistanceWhy This RoleOpportunity to join a regulated crypto exchange at launch stageDirect exposure to regulator and executive leadershipBuild treasury function from scratchJoin a business with a clear 5-year growth plan and IPO ambition#J-18808-Ljbffr